Priyanka Jarikholi: Youngest Tribal Woman MP in India

Priyanka Jarikholi, a Congress candidate from Chikkodi, Karnataka, made history as the youngest tribal woman elected to the Parliament of India. The 27-year-old emerged victorious in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, defeating Bharatiya Janata Party MP Annasaheb Jolle by over 90,000 votes.

As the representative of Chikkodi, Jarikholi is one of three women MPs elected from Karnataka. Speaking to the media about her historic victory, she expressed her commitment to the development of her constituency, saying, “I will strive and meet their expectations, and ensure overall development of the constituency.” She also thanked Congress MLAs and workers for their support.

Jarikholi’s election marks several significant firsts. She is the first tribal woman to win an unreserved seat in Karnataka and the second leader from a reserved community to win a general seat, following Kotturu Hariharappa Ranganath, who served as an MP from Chitradurga during 1984-89.

In an April 2024 interview with The Hindu, Jarikholi emphasized the importance of increasing women’s participation in politics. “There is a need for more and more women in politics to ensure that government acts like passing laws and implementing schemes and programmes. She also acknowledged the challenges faced by women from political families, noting that they often have to overcome perceptions that they are influenced by male relatives. “Such questions need to be answered by women who have got the opportunity to serve the people,” she added.

Jarikholi’s victory is not just a personal achievement but a milestone for women’s representation in Indian politics. Her success underscores the evolving political landscape in India, where more women are stepping into leadership roles and making significant contributions to governance and development.

Re-reported from the article originally published in She the people.